René Pape faces job threat in Berlin

Statement by the Staatsoper unter den Linden:

The comments René Pape posted on social media regarding the Metropolitan Opera’s participation in the Pride Parade in New York have caused great irritation in the house and among the management. René Pape is a long-standing and valued member of the ensemble of the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, who can currently be seen on our stage, and management sought out a personal discussion with him about these intolerable comments directly. It is clear that homophobia and discrimination of any kind have absolutely no place in our house and will not be accepted. During the conversation, René Pape announced that he will publish a statement and we would like to give him the opportunity to do so.
As an institution, we want to make an explicit statement for LGBTQIA diversity and against hate and discrimination. For respect at eye level, tolerance, and togetherness. We want to be clear that we support all members of the community.
For the first time Pride Month is taking place in Berlin this year: Starting last Tuesday (28.6.) – Stonewall Day – for four weeks, until Sunday, 24th July 22. Pride Month was created by the CSD Verein to give Berliners and visitors more space for LGBTQIA issues and encounters in and with Berlin’s queer communities. The Pride Demonstration and the final rally on 23 July are still the highlight and conclusion of Pride Month. The Berlin CSD e.V. association aims to make all facets of the LGBTQIA community visible and strengthen them. Furthermore, their goal is to support existing Safer Spaces in Berlin and to create more during Pride Month.
As we are already on summer break on 23rd July, we will not be able to support the Pride Demonstration artistically, but we would like to offer more visibility by sharing and calling for support! You can find more information about Berlin Pride Month here:
https://csd-berlin.de/pride-month-berlin/